After the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the world price of crude oil doubled to more than $ 30 per barrel in anticipation of reduced supply. Immediately, the oil companies raised the retail price on refined oil products even though these products were produced from oil purchased at the earlier, lower prices. The media charged the oil companies with profiteering and price gouging, and politicians promised immediate investigations.

Required: Critically evaluate the charge that the oil companies profited from the Iraqi invasion. What advice would you offer the oil companies?